• 
• 
• 
• 
by Mark Silva
"Tested.''
That's what Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York, calls himself in his premier campaign television ad of his presidential campaign. It will start airing Thursday in New Hampshire.
"America deserves an authentic leader who has been tested in times of crisis and has a real record of results," Giuliani campaign manager Michael DuHaime says of the ad strategy.
Yet no direct mention of 9/11 in this debut ad from "America's mayor"''
"New York City is the third or fourth largest government in the country,'' Giuliani says in the ad, facing the camera as he speaks. "It’s one of the largest economies in the United States.
"They used to call it unmanageable, ungovernable. A large majority of New Yorkers wanted to leave and live somewhere else. It was a city that was in financial crisis. A city that was the crime capital of America. A city that was the welfare capital of America. A city that was in very, very difficult condition when I became the mayor.
“By the time I left office, New York City was being proclaimed as the best example of conservative government in the country. We turned it into the safest large city in America. The welfare to work capital of America. And most importantly, the spirit of the people of the city had changed. Instead of being hopeless, the large majority of people had hope.
“So, I believe I’ve been tested in a way in which the American people can look to me. They’re not going to find perfection, but they’re going to find somebody who has dealt with crisis almost on a regular basis and has had results. And in many cases exceptional results. Results people thought weren’t possible. I’m Rudy Giuliani and I approve this message.”
The campaign supplies supporting material for the claims in the ad at its web site.
Comments
"Tested for what?" should be the reporters' response.
Certainly not for dementia.
Posted by: John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada | November 14, 2007 9:30 AM
I think John's on to something here, but I think he should be drug tested, the guy must be high. The people in NYC know who Rudy is and I'll bet he won't get 10% of their vote.
Posted by: Rory M | November 14, 2007 9:43 AM
Is this the comment section for 5 year olds? Guess no one who comments here has ever studied municipal govt at the graduate school level?
Posted by: Wong fo Steel | November 14, 2007 10:21 AM
Since there's no direct mention, is that 9/11 tested or litmus tested re abortion rights?
Anyway, are these his achievements, or the accomplishments of others with whom he has refused to share the spotlight? (Not a good trait for a politician of any stripe).
Posted by: Kenny Bunkport | November 14, 2007 10:29 AM
Look at the records of all the New York City lib deocRAT Mayors before Rudy...
S-C-A-R-R-Y!!!
Go Rudy!
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo | November 14, 2007 10:50 AM
Rudy Giuliani is one of the best mayors in our history under fire. He dealt so very well with everything post 9/11 and has my full support. He is definately the most "tested" candidate.
Rudy in '08!!
Posted by: Phil Madden | November 14, 2007 11:02 AM
Those of us from New York know what a fantastic job Rudy did of fixing and improving our wonderful city. Most Democrats will try to tell you that he brings up 9/11 all the time but he doesn't. And so what if he did? He deserves it. He held this city together when America needed his leadership the most and brought all of us together.
I also think this is a fantastic ad. Go Rudy!
Posted by: Samantha Schultz | November 14, 2007 12:09 PM
Took down Bosky and Milken, Gotti and the mob, Frank Lucas (drug dealer Denzel plays in American Gangster). Showed his ability to make decisions and manage a crisis. Cleaned up NY with his "broken windows" laws, reformed welfare in NY amongst many, many others. His resume is astounding and he is "tested" and "proven." Go get em' Rudy!
Posted by: RCK | November 14, 2007 12:35 PM
Rudy has been tested and found wanting in his dedication to well being of the United States and those who serve in uniform.
Rudy was appointed to the Iraq Study Group to help guide our future strategy in Iraq. He accepted the appointment but did not attend a single meeting of the group. He put his personal business above the interests of the Republic.
Why should we give him a chance to run the foriegn policy of the Unioted States when he has clearly shown it is not a priority of his?
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-usrudy0619,0,7996765.story?wc
Posted by: AJF | November 14, 2007 1:02 PM
You can disagree with Rudi but what can not be disputed is the fact that he is the only candidate that can show tangible results from his public service. Neither Hillary or Obama can say the same thing. The only other one who can is McCain and maybe Ron Paul.
Posted by: Vinny | November 14, 2007 1:39 PM
I think the ad is nice, but you can't hear that good music with him talking so much. I guess they want to show a kinder gentler Don Rodolfo, Mayor of America, King of 911, Killer of Da Mob, Mentor to Bernie the creep, Anti-terrorism guru. Funny the ad didn't mention any of those nice assets of his.
Posted by: GW | November 14, 2007 2:06 PM
this guy is such a toolbag.
Posted by: slick rick | November 14, 2007 10:00 PM
Rudy certainly is more tested than any of the sludge offered on the Dem side.
Hillary's accomplishments? Being an even better criminal than Bonnie.
Obama? Do nothing gadfly throughout his "career."
Edwards? Successful ambulance chaser.
Richardson? Not too much either, but more accomplished than the rest.
Dudd? Successful waitress sandwiches.
Biden? Unsuccessful plagiarist.
Posted by: John D | November 14, 2007 10:21 PM